Actor is paid for canceled show

The `Soup Nazi' says his agent received the money from a DeLand charity.

February 28, 2006|By Charlene Hager-Van Dyke, Sentinel Staff Writer

DeLAND -- He had faith and hope this past year, but Larry Thomas doesn't feel like a charity case after finally receiving what he says is a long-overdue payment because a local charity canceled what would have been his second DeLand performance.

Thomas, a k a Seinfeld's "Soup Nazi," said his Hollywood agent received the payment from the DeLand-based Faith, Hope and Charity Society on Wednesday.

He said the group originally offered $3,000 and a week's stay at a Disney resort, but then promised to pay the money plus $500 for the Disney trip after canceling his January 2005 performance a week before he was to arrive.

But instead of $3,500, the packet Thomas picked up Thursday contained a $2,600 cashier's check, two $100 American Express gift cards and an American Express card for $700.

The Los Angeles resident initially appeared at the Victoria Park Souper Bowl I in January 2004.

Because of its success, he was asked to return the following year.

Thomas said he and his agent contacted the agency spokesman several times last year about the delay and initially were assured they would be paid.

But after a while, calls and e-mails went unanswered, he said.

Robin Roper, a charity member, said earlier this month that she knew nothing about the lack of payment and called it a "miscommunication."

She said Feb. 7 that she would look into it and, if he hadn't been paid, a check would be sent immediately by express mail.

More than two weeks later, Roper confirmed that Thomas has now been paid.

"In fact, we've paid him twice," she said.

Roper would not offer details or proof of the first payment but said the charity rushed to pay Thomas a second time because of negative publicity over his claim that the organization stiffed him.